Transforming and extending library services by embracing technology and collaborations: A case study

Abstract

Technology advances and collaborations with information technology and computer science groups have enabled library services to expand into new domains. Listening to user needs, eliminating administrative burden and saving users time remain strong foundations on which to build new library services enabled by technology. Examples of what is now possible is described, including service to user groups, successes, failures and challenges. Although technology advances have enabled library service enhancements to all user groups, special emphasis on new library services in support of the research enterprise is discussed. As Lindberg and Humphreys predicted in 2015, the research enterprise's need for responsible curation of research data has created new opportunities for library services and examples of those services are discussed. As technology continues to advance, new library services are expected to emerge. These may include regulatory and compliance services. By developing these services with user feedback to save users time and expedite their work, and in collaboration with technology experts, libraries can expect to offer sustainable and valued services for years to come.

Transforming health science libraries around the globe: The impact of technology

“…In the USA technology is being used to enhance library services for four user groups: clinicians, consumers, medical students and researchers (Wheeler et al, 2022). The philosophy of the Wood Library is to develop a service to reduce either time spent or the administrative burden on the user.…”

“…Six of the articles describe ways in which technology is making it possible to provide new and enhanced services to their users (Ekstrand & Strandberg, 2023; Lacey Bryant et al, 2022; Raak et al, 2023; Siemensma & McDonald, 2023; Wheeler et al, 2022; Zhang et al, 2023). One article identifies problems in leveraging technology to improve library services (Rahman & Al Mamun, 2024).…”

“…Technology advances and collaborations with information technology and computer science groups have enabled library services to expand into new domains (Wheeler et al, 2022). The authors place a special emphasis on new library services in support of the research enterprise.…”

“…• Australia (Siemensma & McDonald, 2023) • Bangladesh (Rahman & Al Mamun, 2024) • China (Zhang et al, 2023) • England (Lacey Bryant et al, 2022) • Germany (Raak et al, 2023) • Sweden (Ekstrand & Strandberg, 2023) • The United States (Wheeler et al, 2022) The authors each seek to reflect on how technology is transforming library and information services in their country. The aim of each article is to serve as a road map, describing two or three key technologies which are changing how libraries support their different user groups.…”

“…This article looks at the seven articles which have been published so far in this series on the impact of technology on the provision of health information. These articles come from: Australia (Siemensma & McDonald, 2023) Bangladesh (Rahman & Al Mamun, 2024) China (Zhang et al, 2023) England (Lacey Bryant et al, 2022) Germany (Raak et al, 2023) Sweden (Ekstrand & Strandberg, 2023) The United States (Wheeler et al, 2022) …”